EFFECT OF SURFACE ON CATHODE POLARIZATION DURING THE ELECTRODEPOSITION OF COPPER

Abstract

Measurements in a modified Haring cell have shown that at current densities above approximately 0.6 amp. per dm.2, definite values of the cathode polarization are attained during the electrodeposition of copper from acid copper sulphate solutions, providing sufficient time is allowed for the cathode surface to attain a steady state corresponding to the conditions of electrolysis. At lower current densities, the base metal structure is perpetuated in the deposit, and the cathode polarization will depend upon the surface condition of the electrode initially. The results account for the lack of agreement in polarization values obtained by different workers using the Haring cell, and indicate that crystal size is fundamentally related to true current density, rather than to cathode polarization. A method is outlined for obtaining reproducible cathode-polarization–current-density curves, substantially corresponding to steady state values.